Who Will Say What at Your Funeral?

I have conducted over 100 funerals in the past 20 years of ministry. Each one has been unique, for obvious reasons. The funeral (or memorial service) typically serves as a final tribute to the deceased, and in some cases, their Lord. I readily admit that preaching funerals is not my favorite pastoral duty; however, I see it as an opportunity to point people to Jesus, something I love to do! The living testimony of the deceased determines how easy or difficult my task. I often have conversations with folks in my church who say, "Pastor, you better preach the gospel at my funeral!" Sounds like a mandate to me. So, that's what I do - preach the gospel.
North Carolina State women's basketball coach, Kay Yow, died last Saturday after a long battle with cancer. Many people could have spoken at Yow's funeral, but she chose to do it herself. That's right, she made a 25 minute video. What a powerful way for someone to share their living faith, and tell friends and family about a way to sorrow WITH HOPE. Here's my point...Who will say what at your funeral?

The Tragedy that is Ted Haggard

Here is an insider's perspective on the tragedy that is Ted Haggard. This is written by a former staffer who served with Haggard.

Reproductive Choice?

Something on the official White House website caught my attention. In the section labeled the Agenda, under the heading Women - Reproductive Choice, you will find these words:

"President Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority in his Administration. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case."

No surprises here. Everyone knows the President is pro-abortion. But the phrase "consistent champion of reproductive choice" got me to thinking. I, too, am in favor of reproductive choice. I believe that folks should be very, very selective in when, where, and with whom they choose to have sex. Here's how it works: I choose to have sex exclusively with my wife. God has blessed us with three wonderful children, the fruit of our union. We gladly take responsibility for our children, never expecting the government or anyone else to provide for their needs. Now, that's real reproductive choice!

The vast majority of abortions performed today are matters of convenience, or inconvenience, as the case may be. People fail to make wise decisions on the front end of reproductive choice, so our government steps in to help take care of the consequences while responsible people foot the bill with their tax dollars. Our new President promises to lead the charge as the "champion" of this flawed plan. Here's my point...I like God's plan of reproductive choice much better!

Mental Metabolism

Mark Batterson's blog is one of my regular stops in the blogosphere. Reading today's post made me burn some mental calories. Here's my point: check it out and find yourself doing some mental situps.

Also, exercise your mind on some wisdom from the late Adrian Rogers:

“You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.”

Good Stuff.

A peaceful transfer of power...and policy

The peaceful transfer of power from one president to another is something that makes me proud to be an American. Let's face it, in other parts of the world it would take more than a moving van to move one Head of State out and another in. In some places it takes military action.

In the case of the Obama-for-Bush switch, there has also been a profound transfer of policy. You know, the substance of a President's agenda. As the clock struck 12:00 on Inauguration Day, the White House went from defending the lives of the unborn to supporting their death. Here's my point: The demolition of pro-life policies in America is officially underway. It began before the movers finished unloading the boxes and furniture.

Here's my point...again

A couple of years ago I made a feeble attempt at blogging. I think I posted a whoppin' 8 times! Impressive, I know. One of the reasons I was a blogging failure is I was never convinced that anyone cared to read my thoughts in the first place. I rarely view my thoughts as profound or intriguing enough to capture some one's attention. But, I have come to realize that it's not necessarily the profound or intriguing that causes someone to say, "hmmm". It is often a different point-of-view. So....here goes another attempt at blogging under the simple title, Here's my point...